could be amended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be amended" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the possibility of making changes or modifications to a document, proposal, or agreement. Example: "The contract is not final and could be amended based on the feedback we receive from the stakeholders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The emerging road map could be amended as a result of those consultations, they said.

The New York Times

The federal constitution, moreover, could be amended only by a unanimous vote of the states.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Kissel said the bill could be amended to address the need for more nursing teachers.

The New York Times

Some had wanted tovote whole play objectionable, but could be amended.

The New Yorker

Two "entrenched" clauses, on language and franchise, could be amended only by a two-thirds majority vote in Parliament.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They propose a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament before it could be amended or revoked.

The Economist

The panel concluded that no changes were needed, but left open the possibility that the law could be amended.

The New York Times

Klabin hoped some of the bill's provisions could be amended in the Senate, where it will be debated next.

The New Yorker

They even suggested that the Afghan constitution could be amended to take account of some of the Taliban's concerns.

The Guardian

He only announced recently that the new law could be amended in order to meet EU standards.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The high court agreed that the statement of claim could be amended for a claim of compensation," he said.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "could be amended", ensure the context clearly indicates who has the authority or ability to make the amendment. Be specific about the conditions or reasons under which the amendment might occur.

Common error

Avoid using "could be amended" without specifying what exactly is being amended. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating the document, clause, or item that is subject to change to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be amended" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or potential. It indicates that something is not fixed and is open to modifications. Ludwig provides many examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

19%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "could be amended" is a grammatically sound and commonly used modal verb phrase that expresses the possibility of modifying something. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides ample examples from reliable sources. It's frequently found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. To use the phrase effectively, ensure the context is clear about what is being amended and who has the power to amend it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might be revised

Replaces "could" with "might" and "amended" with "revised", suggesting a potential alteration.

may be modified

Substitutes "could" with "may" and "amended" with "modified", indicating a permission or possibility of changing something.

can be altered

Uses "can" instead of "could" and "altered" instead of "amended", implying a capability to change something.

is subject to change

Shifts from a modal verb phrase to a descriptive statement, indicating that something is liable to be changed.

is open to modification

Highlights the receptiveness to changes rather than the act of changing itself.

allows for adjustments

Focuses on the allowance for making changes, implying flexibility.

is susceptible to revisions

Suggests that something is prone to being changed or corrected.

can be tweaked

Replaces "amended" with "tweaked" to indicate a small or fine adjustment.

remains flexible

Emphasizes the adaptability and potential for change, moving away from direct modification.

is not set in stone

Idiomatic expression indicating that something is not final and can be changed.

FAQs

How can I use "could be amended" in a sentence?

Use "could be amended" to suggest that a document, plan, or rule is not final and is open to modifications. For example: "The proposal "could be amended" based on the feedback received."

What are some alternatives to "could be amended"?

Alternatives include phrases like "might be revised", "may be modified", or "can be altered", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "could be amended" or "should be amended"?

"Could be amended" suggests a possibility or permission for change. "Should be amended" implies a recommendation or necessity for change. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "could be amended" and "will be amended"?

"Could be amended" indicates a potential for change, while "will be amended" indicates a future certainty. The former is conditional, the latter is definitive.